The Linke-Hoffmann R.I was half covered with transparent Cellon in an attempt at partial invisibility. It achieved the opposite effect, partly because the Cellon discoloured rapidly, but mainly because it reflected the sun so strongly.

Best source of information about this and other giant German aircraft of WWI is "The German Giants".

, 21.06.2011

Linke-Hoffmann R.I

Klaatu, 03.05.2011

Prior to World War I the Linke-Hoffmann company was in the business of building rolling stock for the German railways. Somehow, it comes as no surprise at all to learn that an airplane like this should have been built by people who manufacture boxcars!

B. Carter, 24.08.2010

Correction: The propellors were driven by driveshafts (not chains). Also, the R.I was built in two versions. The first is shown below the text, displaying the cellon fuselage. The second version, in which the cellon covering was reduced to panels under the tailplane, is shown above the text. Best source of information about this and other giant German aircraft of WWI is "The German Giants".